Fiat 500e
This stylish little car will make any graduate happy, especially when it comes time to figure out the monthly budget. The standard 500 and Abarth versions are also great candidates, but the 500e boasts everything that’s great about the little Italian (parkable, fun to drive, not a Mini) with the addition of an electric powertrain.
Scion FR-S
Probably the best bang for the buck for the grad who loves to carve corners without breaking the bank, the FR-S and its sibling, the Subaru BRZ, look good and exude youth.
Ford Mustang Convertible
The new Mustang Convertible's open top will let your favorite graduate know that the sky is the limit when it comes to her future. This powerful, fun-to-drive convertible is affordable, great looking, and very customizable.
Kia Soul
Tragically hip, but awesomely packaged with good tech, the Soul is an awesome value for the money. Its funky looks hide excellent interior practicality, letting your graduate haul all his worldly possessions.
Mazda3
Mazda knocked it out of the park for the new Mazda3's design, just as your graduate's future will take off. Not only does this car look good, but its tech and drivetrain are very future-forward.
Audi A3
The new A3 is as ready for the future as your graduate. It comes with a 4G LTE data connection, Nvidia graphics, Google data, and Quattro all-wheel drive. It's a sharp little sedan for an upscale lifestyle.
Ford Fiesta ST
A regular Fiesta is a very good buy, but the sharp performing ST variant of Ford’s smallest, most affordable model is one of the best driver’s cars we’ve ever tested. Anyone would be thrilled to find this in the driveway as a graduation present.
Chevrolet Sonic RS
This budget-priced Chevy hatch encourages young drivers to put their phones away by offering good dashboard integration for smartphone-powered music and navigation. CD player? What’s that?